[Episode 106165] [Episode 106165]A hidden memory of a time from childhood sprang into the forefront of his mind. It was probably the only time he was left alone long enough to talk with a priest of sorts before his father would throw him into another insane training technique.
*** FLASHBACK ***
"Each mortal is given a choice." The priest explained as he sipped his cup of tea. "Kami-sama himself has given this to us as his gift. Some choose to follow good while others choose to follow evil."
"That's it?" Chiba-Ranma asked quietly, staring at the old man with wide eyes. "There ain't no other way?"
"Yes, there is another choice." The priest said slowly and carefully. "If one were to reject both ways of life, good and evil, they would be untouchable by both." Seeing the boy stare at him blankly, he sighed and shook his head. "It would also mean that when you died, neither side could claim you. Your soul would never know the peace of the heavens nor the torment of the hells. A very dangerous choice to make."
"So I could practice martial arts forever?" Chiba-Ranma asked with an excited tone of voice.
*WHACK*
"Ow! What'd ja do that for?" Chiba-Ranma rubbed the bump on his head as he glared at the old man.
The old priest sighed and placed his cane back down on the ground beside him. "Never mind. Let's get back to practicing that move you were having trouble with."
*** END FLASHBACK ***
With the memory held in the forefront of his mind and the hate and rage held within his soul, the pig-tailed martial artist made a decision.
"I reject the Kami from my life." He whispered angrily, his voice cold and unrelenting. "I'm kicking them outa my life for good! No more demons and gods fucking with me!" He lifting a hand and pointed a shaking finger at the Goddess in front of him. "You can take yourself, all the demons that freak Happosai keeps summoning up, and all the rest of the supernatural crap that goes on in my life and... STICK IT UP YOUR ASS!" He screamed. "No more! I reject it all! I ain't gonna put up with it any more!"
One by one, he felt ties within his soul, some of them placed so long ago that they felt like a part of him, let go. As they let go, he was given a bit of information as to who had placed them.
There went two ties of love placed by Urd.
There went one more bond of love placed by Venus.
A bit of chaos placed by Loki.
A piece of stupidity to make him more war-like from Ares.
The demon possession from the Neko-ken took shape bodily as it was expelled from his body.
The demon based Jusenkyo curse also took shape in front of him, her wide eyes staring back fearfully.
Another tie of love from the Goddess Peorth.
Again and again, the different bonds, possessions, and curses placed by God, Goddess, or Demonic entity were expelled from his body. Some evaporated into the air while others took mortal shape around him. Seeing everything that was going on, he threw his head back and released an evil laugh that sent shivers down the spines of those who could hear it.
When the process was over, Ranma stood tall and calm. Looking around at the audience before him, he sneered at them, forcing most to flinch.
"It's done." He whispered. "Never again. Never again will I accept an insult or attack without retaliating. All bonds are broken..." He looked up at his fiance's, most just staring at him in horror. "NO MORE ENGAGEMENTS!" He screamed angrily. "You got a problem with that, then TAKE IT UP WITH THE DAMNED PANDA!"
"What have you done?" Elistree whispered, drawing the attention of the mortal before her.
"I'M FREE!" Yelled the pig-tailed youth in response. "I'M FREE OF YOU DAMNED KAMI AT LAST!" This was followed by another evil cackle that rang off the walls around him.
Elistree shivered for a moment before regaining her battle mask. "You can't do this." She argued, stalking towards the young man. "You have to accept your..." She was cut off by a viscious backhanded blow to her jaw, throwing her backwards to land on her rear.
"SHUT UP!" Ranma screamed. "I ain't gotta do anything for you fucking Kami! I reject you and everything you stand for!"
"No." Elistree shook her head and stood up. "You must take it back. Your immortal soul is in danger."
"I don't care." The young man croaked out in his cold suppressed rage. "You're never gonna fuck with me again!"
The two were interrupted by an old, tired voice. "Son-in-law, what have you done?" Cologne inquired, her body radiating defeat and sadness.
"Grandma?" Shampoo asked, walking forwards. Her eyes slid over her 'husband' without stopping. "Shampoo feel... different."
"Yeah, me too." Ukyo stated, joining the group at a leasurely pace. "I don't feel any... love... towards Ranchan anymore."
"It was all fake." Ranma replied angrily. "Put there for the amusement of the Kami to see us jump through thier fucking hoops." He spat out. "Urd, Peorth, Venus, and a bunch of other Kami thought it would be funny to mess with the love lives of some mortals."
"Ah." Shampoo and Ukyo nodded before the female Amazon pouted. "But Shampoo stuck with Airen. Not love anymore."
"Yeah, and I've still got that stupid honor agreement." Ukyo added.
"Hey, I don't want to marry the pervert either." Akane put in her two yen worth, stepping forward to join in.
Ranma snorted in disgust as he eyed the girls that had made his life a living hell. "It's not like I give a rat's ass about you guys either." He explained.
Akane stared at him for a second before letting loose a chuckle. "Now I know it was fake. Five minutes ago I would have bashed you for saying that. Now, I could care less what you say."
"Is too too true." Shampoo nodded. "Shampoo want go home without Airen. Live life of true Amazon, not stuck here with you."
Cologne watched the youngsters for a moment before agreeing with them. Her own feelings had changed towards the young man. Before, having him in the tribe was of paramount importance. Now, it didn't seem to matter. Sighing, she was all to ready to return to training her heir. Looking around, she could see the shocked Elistree, still staring at the pig-tailed boy with horror-filled eyes. Around them, life had returned to normal for most, except that they all could care less about the boy most of them had been tormenting for the last year.
So...
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(Posted Tue, 03 Aug 2004 20:29)
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